News

We all know that audiophile products are dangerous to the pocketbook, but one high-end audio manufacturer is notifying its customers that one of its subwoofers may be dangerous to the listener's health as well.

In cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Madrigal is voluntarily recalling approximately 1300 Revel Performa B15 subwoofers. According to the CPSC report, a screw inside the subwoofer can cause a high-voltage short, which in turn could cause a severe injury to consumers through an electric shock.

So far, Madrigal says that it has received one report of electric shock, although no injuries have been reported. The company reports that its network of audio dealers sold the $3000 subwoofers throughout the country and in Puerto Rico from January 2001 through October 2002.

From the recall notice (which includes photos): "The recalled Revel Performa B15 subwoofers have an outer cabinet with a black or gray speaker grill on the front and are about 20 inches in width, height, and depth. The brand name 'Revel' is printed on the bottom left of the rear panel and 'PERFORMA B15 SUBWOOFER' is printed on the bottom right. The 1000W subwoofers were made in the United States."

The notice adds that consumers should not touch the rear panel, use the power switch, or remove the power cord or any connections from the back of the unit until it is repaired. Consumers are asked to immediately contact the dealer from whom the subwoofer was purchased or call Madrigal at (800) 424-8043 between 9am and 5pm ET Monday through Friday to receive a free repair and new computer software. Consumers also can visit the company's website.